System and method for elevated speed firearms training

ABSTRACT

The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/202,218, filed Aug. 29, 2008, and titled SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR ELEVATED SPEED FIREARMS TRAINING, which is anonprovisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/969,143, filed Aug. 30, 2007, and titled AUGMENTED VISUALABILITIES, which are each incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to human performance training, andparticularly, to systems and methods for skills training involving rapidvisual and cognitive reactions, for example, rapid sighting, smoothpursuit tracking, object recognition, and reaction skills required forfirearms employment.

Firearms are employed for various uses, including for hunting,marksmanship sports, self-defense, police enforcement, and militaryoperations. Traditional firearms training is inherently limited in itsability to deliver quick, high-level advancements in employment skills.Use of live ammunition during training naturally restricts the location,conditions, amount, and types of training that can be safely andeconomically conducted. Prior art systems and methods for traditionalfirearms training include live fire training conducted on a traditionalshooting range, typically isolated by earthwork berms and using fixed ormoving physical targets.

Inherent limitations in traditional firearms training include danger oflive fire training; cost of ammunition; lead pollution and cost of leadabatement; firearms preparation and clean up time; time availability ofranges, especially in rifle training; limited multiple target rotationdrills; and primitive and cumbersome data collection, analysis, andhistory of skill such as reaction time and accuracy; minimal elevatedtargeting (due to bullet trajectory).

More recent firearms training systems and methods include target andcombat environments using simulation/gaming platforms, for example,including visual displays for targets and firearms having a lasertransmitter in place of projectiles; however, such systems typicallylack a methodology and systematic approach needed to achieve heightenedperformance levels associated with sighting, tracking, recognizing, andreacting to targets over those performance levels achieved withtraditional training methods and systems.

SUMMARY

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recitedin the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features andcombinations thereof.

The system and method to advance human performance in sighting,tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) movingand stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targetswith a firearm. System components include software and hardware thatprovide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually orautomatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or arendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimulimovement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time forwhich stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engagethe stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase theinterval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages thestimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, thetrainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement withincreasingly elevated speed and accuracy.

System components measure performance parameters such as visual trackingaccuracy, sight time, threat recognition and shot accuracy. Hardwareincludes one or more image projectors, screens, computers, software,laser equipped firearms, laser tracking cameras, eye trackers, andtreadmills. Software includes environmental images, stimuli includingtargets and non-targets, image and target display control, eye movementcapture, laser fire capture, and other data capture, analysis, andreporting.

The illustrative embodiment of the present systems and methods is anElevated Ocular Tactical Conditioning (“EOTC”) system, capable oftraining one or multiple individuals (“trainee”) simultaneously. Allfirearms simulated in the system may be those used for actual employmentwith the bolt and magazine temporarily replaced with simulationcomponents for use with the EOTC system.

Human perception tends to limit a person to see, react, and engagetargets at certain understandable or comfortable speeds. EOTC traineesare conditioned to react upwards of 2 to 3 times faster with heightenedawareness and accuracy than achieved with traditional firearms training.The EOTC methods and systems break a trainee's perception of what itbelieved to be fast, accurate and possible. Once a trainee reaches“mental acceptance” of heightened speed and accuracy, EOTC methods andsystems provide the combined mental and physical conditioning needed toconsistent achieve heightened performance.

The illustrative EOTC method and system may include hardware andsoftware associated with three types of training:

-   -   Kinetic Saccadic Eye Tracker (“K-SET”), used primarily to        elevate sighting and tracking performance;    -   Rapid subject matter recognition (“RSMR”), used primarily to        elevate fine motor skills, target and non-target stimuli        recognition performance; and    -   Tactical Ocular Reaction Area (“TORA”), used to elevate all        aspects of sighting, fine and gross motor skills and engagement.        Every shot fired is measured, timed, and stored in a trainee's        data file. Trainees can review their strengths, deficiencies and        performances for various scenarios and for changes in tactics,        firearms type, holster type, goggle type, glove type, and the        like.

Ocular muscles or saccadic eye muscles can be conditioned to performlike any other muscle in the body. Persons that are trained to see firstcan then be trained to react first. Training research demonstrates thata person's economy of motion has an enormous effect on their reactionabilities, as well as their radial efficiency to multiple targets.Economy of motion can reduce target acquisition times upwards of onesecond, which could be the difference between life and death. Thepresent methods and systems provide measurement of baseline performanceand training to enhance engagement of stimuli.

A natural deficiency between the eyes and brain is called “visualsuppression”. Visual suppression exists to stop the visual system frombeing confused by blurred images that the eye receives while it ismoving rapidly from one object or stimulus to another. This suppressionpresents as a “blackout” of all images between the two stimuli. Mostpeople are unaware of this blackout even though a 90 degree move can beas much as ⅓ of a second with no image. Awareness and training relatingto visual suppression heightens firearms performance.

Specifically, it has been discovered that training to sight, track,recognize, and react to stimuli at elevating speeds enables the eyes todevelop strength and agility like any other part of the body, naturallyheightening visual speeds and abilities while reducing the visualsuppression area. Upwards of 200% increase in performance after six 30minute training sessions have been achieved. Methods include having theeyes start tracking at a slow reasonable speed, gradually elevating toimpossible speeds, and finally slowing down to a slightly morecomfortable speed. Including the three illustrative K-SET, RSMR, andTORA scenarios, the EOTC includes visually acquiring 1010 targets andfiring 530 virtual rounds around a 220° area, capturing and analyzingdata, while taking only 30 minutes to complete.

Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the illustrative embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 shows a display portion and illustrative stimuli of anillustrative embodiment of a method and system for EOTC according to thepresent disclosure, for example for K-SET training;

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating phases of training associated with theillustrative embodiments of the method and system for EOTC;

FIG. 3 shows another illustrative system for EOTC according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a display portion of another illustrative system for EOTCshowing different illustrative images used for RSMR training;

FIG. 5 shows a display portion of another illustrative system for EOTC,for example for TORA training;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative process associated with the methods andsystems for EOTC according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a display portion and illustrative stimuli of anotherillustrative embodiment of a method and system for EOTC according to thepresent disclosure, for example for K-SET training;

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative training scenario and results associatedwith the methods and systems of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative report produced by the methods and systems ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative target pattern associated with an indexedlinear training scenario of the disclosed methods and systems;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative target pattern associated with an indexedup and down training scenario of the disclosed methods and systems;

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative target pattern associated with a reversereflex training scenario of the disclosed methods and systems;

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative target pattern associated with a firstrandom distribution training scenario of the disclosed methods andsystems;

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative target pattern associated with a secondrandom distribution training scenario of the disclosed methods andsystems; and

FIG. 15 shows another illustrative target pattern associated withtraining scenarios of the disclosed methods and systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principals of theinvention, reference will now be made to one or more illustrativeembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same.

The disclosed methods and systems for displaying a series of staticand/or moving visual stimuli to a trainee are used to conditioning anenhanced trainee engagement of the stimuli. The engagement skills beingconditioned for a particular embodiment of the disclosed methods andsystems may be one or more than one of sighting, tracking, recognizing,and reacting to visual stimuli. For example, the engagement conditionedin first embodiment can be limited to simply the training sighting andtracking a sequence of moving targets on a visual display(s) andmeasuring the trainee's performance. For example, the engagement skillsconditioned in a second embodiment can be sighting, tracking, andrecognizing threat and non-threat targets on a visual display(s) andmeasuring the trainee's. And for example, the engagement skillsconditioned in a third embodiment can be sighting, tracking,recognizing, and reacting to, for example firing on threat and notfiring on non-threat targets and measuring the trainee's performance.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, for a first illustrative system andmethod 20 a for EOTC, a trainee 22 is conditioned by displaying a firsttarget (stimulus) 24 adjacent the left side of one or more displays 26and 28 and the first target 24 subsequently moving rapidly in a straightline pattern 30 to the right side of the displays 26 and 28. After adelay interval, for example 0.50 seconds, a second target (stimulus) 34can be displayed adjacent the right side of displays 26 and 28, pausefor a present or random amount of time, then move rapidly in a straightline pattern 36 to the left, at a speed greater than that of pattern 30for target 24. Subsequent targets (not shown) can follow an identical oralternative pattern of movement and delay and incrementally increasingspeeds making it difficult for the trainee 22 to accurately sight andtrack the subsequent targets. An ocular tracker 38 can be used todetermine the trainee's performance in sighting and tracking targets.

Referring to FIG. 2, the graph of target speed vs. elapsed timeassociated with the illustrative system and method 20 a, shows variousphases of a training session 40. After an initial speed 42 associatedwith the first target 24, a period 44 of incrementally increasing speedis used for the second target 34 and subsequent targets (not shown),making it more and more difficult for the trainee 22 to sight and trackthe targets. After a threshold speed or percentage 46 at which thetrainee 22 can no longer consistently and accurately track targets, aset speed 48 is used for subsequent targets during a plateau period 50.For example, a threshold percentage may be, for example, 50%, 25%, or10%. After the plateau period 48, for example a specific period of time,for example 45 seconds, or a specific number of targets, a comfortablespeed 52 is used for subsequent targets during a final period 54.

Additionally or alternatively, the interval between appearance andmovement of subsequent targets can be gradually decreased during theincreasing period 44, thus making the threshold 46 at which the traineecan no longer accurately sight and track targets a combination of targetspeed and delay interval.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a system 100 for EOTC of trainee 22.The system 100 generally includes a computer or network of computers 102having one or more processors 104, data 106, and software 108, one to Ndisplays 112 and 114, and an ocular sensor 116 for determine eye gazeand tracking of trainee 22, for example, systems such as those availablefrom SensoMotoric Instruments of Boston, Mass., and SR Research ofOsgoode, Ontario, Canada.

The system 100 may also optionally include a recognition sensor 120, forexample, capable of registering a trainee's recognition of a target as athreat or non-threat. For example, the recognition sensor 120 mayinclude a simple input switch(es) such as computer mouse buttons used bytrainee 22 to register recognition, or an input sensor requiringprocessing, for example a voice recognition capable of deterringrecognition based on a trainee's audible/verbal response.

The system 100 may also optionally include a firearm sensor 122 fordetecting the firing and aim of a firearm 120 used by the trainee 22.Firearm 120 can be a simulated firearm, or an actual firearm modifiedfor training use, for example, by replacing the bolt and magazine with atransmitter 126, for example a laser emitter, and a gas discharge device128 for providing action of the firearm mechanism and simulatedacoustics and recoil of firing.

The system 100 may also optionally include an operator interface 130,for example coupled with the computer 102 and providing control ofvarious components of system 100 and/or monitoring of the trainee'sperformance. The system 100 may also optionally include performancereporting 132, for example visual and/or data output from the computer102. The system 100 may also optionally include a treadmill 134 tosimulate foot travel for trainee 22. Additionally, the system 100 mayalso include addition sensors 116, 120, 122, operator interfaces 130,firearms 124, and treadmills 134, for example, to support training ofmultiple trainees 22 simultaneously.

Some embodiments of the system 100 include only those componentsrequired for the particular and more limited EOTC training scenario, forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for Kinetic Saccadic Eye Tracker(“K-SET”) training, used primarily to elevate sighting and trackingperformance, or for Rapid subject matter recognition (“RSMR”) trainingshown in FIG. 3 used for used primarily to elevate target and non-targetstimuli recognition performance. Such embodiments of the system 100 canlack various optional components, for example, the firearms sensor 122,firearms 124, and treadmill 134, and various components of the data 106and software 108. Other embodiments of system 100 are more robust, wouldtypically include all the components shown in FIG. 3 and support a fullrange of EOTC training scenarios, for example, such an illustrativesystem 200, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 5, used for TacticalOcular Reaction Area (“TORA”) training to condition and elevate allaspects of firearms employment and engagement.

FIG. 6 shows a first illustrative method 400 that can be used with theillustrative systems 20 a/b, 100, 200 and 300 for displaying a series ofstatic and/or moving visual stimuli, for example targets, to a traineefor conditioning an enhanced engagement of the stimuli. In step 401, aTraining Scenario is selected and the training Phase set, for example toInitial for some scenarios, or to Final for scenarios using a fixedspeed and delay for subsequent targets. In step 402, a display scene orEnvironment Type is selected and displayed, for example, an empty(blank) scene as shown in FIG. 4, or an urban scene as shown in FIG. 5.In step 404, a Stimulus Type to by displayed is selected, for example ahuman form with or without a threat, for example a firearm. In step 406,an initial Delay Period from 0 seconds to a present or random length oftime is determined. For example, the Delay Period can be used todetermine the length of time before a stimulus is displayed, the lengthof time the stimulus is displayed, or the length of time a particularset of stimulus at a particular speed are displayed. In step 408, aninitial Movement Pattern of the stimulus is determined. The MovementPattern may specify not only the pattern in which a stimulus moves (ordoes not move), but also the relative displacement or location on thedisplays 26 and 28 of a stimulus relative to the prior stimulus, forexample, as shown in FIGS. 10-15 and further described below. In step410, an initial Speed of the stimulus is determined, for example, theSpeed can be the speed at which a stimulus moves on the displays 26 and28.

In step 412, the stimulus is displayed to a trainee according to theStimulus Type, Delay Period, Movement Pattern, and Speed. For example,during the initial Delay Period the stimulus may be not displayed, orthe stimulus may be displayed but remain static relative to the trainee.For the initial Movement Pattern, for example, the stimulus may move ina straight line relative to the trainee, for example, moving along ahorizontal axis at substantially fixed distance relative to the trainee,or may be a fixed, non-moving stimulus. The initial Speed and/or DelayPeriod are generally selected as a relatively easy speed for the traineeto sight and visually track the stimulus, for example, movement at 10degrees/second or subsequent stimulus at 1.5 seconds intervals.

In step 414, it is determined how long the trainee took to sight thestimulus. In step 416, Sight Time data is stored relating to the time ittook the trainee to sight the stimulus. In step 418, it is determinedwhether the trainee remains focused on (tracks) the stimulus. In step420, Accuracy data is stored relating to the trainee's accuracy intracking the stimulus. Optionally, in step 422, it is determined whetherthe trainee properly recognizes the stimulus, for example as a threat ornon-threat. In step 424, Recognition data is stored relating to thetrainee's recognition of the stimulus. Optionally, in step 426, it isdetermined whether the trainee properly engages the stimulus, forexample, accurately fires at the stimulus. In step 424, Engagement datais stored relating to the trainee's engagement. Optionally, in step 428,Performance data is determined as a function of Sight Time, Accuracy,Recognition, and/or Engagement data.

In step 430, the Phase of the training scenario is determined, forexample, Initial, Increasing, Plateau, Final, or Complete.

If the present Phase is determined to be Initial or Increasing andPerformance is greater than a preset Threshold, then in step 432, theIncreasing phase is set. In step 434, a subsequent Delay Period,Stimulus Type, Movement Pattern, and Speed is determined for theIncreasing Phase. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the Speed of thestimulus movement may be steadily increased for each subsequent display,for example, movement in increments of 10 degrees/second. Additionallyor alternatively, the Delay Period may be steadily decreased for eachsubsequent display, providing a short and short time interval duringwhich a stimulus is displayed, for example, in increments of 0.25seconds. After step 434 is completed, the method returns to step 412 todisplay the subsequent stimulus.

If in step 430 the present Phase is determined to be Increasing and thePerformance is equal to or less than Threshold, then in step 440 thePlateau phase is set.

If the present Phase is Plateau and a present Plateau Delay has not yetexpired, for example, 45 seconds or a present number of subsequentstimuli, then in step 442 the subsequent Stimulus Type and MovementPattern are determined and the Delay Interval and Speed remain the same.After step 442 is completed, the method returns to step 412 to displaythe subsequent stimulus.

If the present Phase is Plateau and a present Plateau delay has expired,then in step 450 the Phase is set to Final. In step 452, the subsequentStimulus Type and Movement Pattern are determined and the Delay Intervaland Speed are set to a selected level that provides a higher Performancethan the trainee achieved in the Plateau Phase. For example, stimulusspeed/frequency in the Final Phase may be selected by the operator basedon the trainee's performance, or may be calculated as a function ofperformance and/or other data collected during the session. After step452 is completed, the method returns to step 412 to display thesubsequent stimulus.

If the present Phase is Final and a present Final Delay has not yetexpired, for example, 30 seconds or a present number of subsequentstimuli, then in step 460 the subsequent Stimulus Type and MovementPattern are determined and the Delay Interval and Speed remain the same.After step 460 is completed, the method returns to step 412 to displaythe subsequent stimulus.

If the present Phase is Final and a present Final Delay has expired,then in step 470 training is complete and final data analysis andreporting is completed.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a single Stimulus Type andMovement Pattern may repeated but an incrementally increasing Speedand/or reduced Delay Period applied until the trainee's Performancedrops below a selected Threshold. After reaching the Threshold, theSpeed/Delay Period combination can be maintained for a present PlateauDelay, then the Speed is reduced and/or the Delay Period lengthened toprovide a higher Performance and that Speed/Delay Period maintained fora present Final Delay.

The Environment and the initial and sequence of subsequent StimulusTypes, Delay Periods, Movement Patterns, and Speeds may be predeterminedby the Training Scenario selected in Step 400. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more of these variables may be determined by thetrainee's Performance. Alternatively or additionally, one or more ofthese variables may be determined by an Operator, including in responseto the trainee's Performance during the scenario.

K-SET: Kinetic Saccadic Eye Tracker

An embodiment of the illustrative system 100 and the illustrative method400 can be used to implementing K-SET training, which is used primarilyto elevate sighting and tracking performance of the trainee 22.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, a 2-minute K-SET session can beperformed by using an increasing period 44 lasting about 45 seconds, aplateau period 48 lasting about 45 seconds, and a filial period 54lasting about 30 seconds. The displays 112 and 114 used for the K-SETsession can be, for example, high refresh rate 52 inch plasma flat-panelmonitors. Computer 102 can be a standard PC type computer having anoperator interface 130 consisting of, for example, a keyboard, pointingdevice, and monitor.

The displays 112 and 114 are arranged as shown for displays 26 and 28 inFIG. 1, abutted end to end, the faces of the displays forming an obtuseangle, the interior of which faces the trainee 22. The angle of thedisplay faces and the trainee 22 position relative to the displays 26and 28 (112 and 114) can be such that the trainee 22 can track targets24 and 34 through 180 degrees or more motion. For example, the traineemay be positioned approximately 18 inches from the displays 26 and 28.

Saccades are used to bring the eye rapidly from one point of regard toanother. Because the eyes do not see during a saccade, it is best to getthem over as quickly as possible. Accordingly, saccades typically moveat speeds between 200 and 600 degrees/sec—for 300 deg/sec, to move gaze90 degrees, it takes about ⅓ seconds, which is a long time not to seewhen in a threat environment.

K-SET enhances performance in various ways. For example, trainee 22 isconditioned to keep the eyes open and focused throughout the motionpatterns 30 and 30 of the targets 24 and 34. Benefits of thisconditioning include, for example, increasing visual awareness ofsoldiers and law enforcement officers in clearing rooms, engagingmultiple targets in close quarters, and in high speed pursuits and thelike. The conditioning also strengthens the muscles in the eyes so thatthe speed at which the trainee 22 can focus on multiple objects in anurban warfare situation is increased.

Optionally, the trainee 22 can walk on a treadmill 134 (FIG. 3) in frontof the displays 112 and 114 in order to condition sighting and trackingduring “smooth pursuit”. Additionally or alternatively, the speeds ofsubsequent targets during a K-SET session can be set to increasing anddecreasing speeds. For example, ten target velocities (ranging from 10to 100 deg/s in 10 deg/s increments) presented in random order with eachtarget velocity being repeated 20 times.

An operator using operator interface 130 can manually begin and canmanually control the type of targets and the speed and interval betweentargets. For example, the type of target displayed can be fixed as aball or be selected from other objects or shapes and subsequentlyvaried.

The software 108 uses a comparison of the location of the target 24 or34 on the displays 26 and 28 and data collected from the ocular sensor116, which indicates the gaze and track of the trainee's eyes, todetermine whether the trainee 22 is focused on and tracking the target24 or 34 or is not able to track the target 24 or 34. The software 108determines and collects data relating to the trainee's accuracy intracking the target 24 and 34.

The adjustments in the subsequent target speed and/or the delay intervalbetween targets can be automatically set by the software 108 or manuallyby the operating. For example, adjustments can be determined based on apreset profile associated with the training scenario selected thetrainee's accuracy, the trainee's accuracy, or other factors consideredby the software 108 or operator; however, all profiles providesubsequent targets at a speed and/or delay interval 48 (FIG. 2) duringthe plateau period 50 that exceed the trainee's ability to consistentlyand accurately sight and track, and subsequent targets at a speed and/ordelay interval 52 for a final period 54 that the trainee canconsistently and accurately sight and track with reasonable comfort.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, in an illustrativesystem and method 20 b, the movement patterns 30 and 36 (and patterns ofsubsequent targets) can include patterns other than a straight line, forexample, angled, arcing, and/or complex patterns. The presentation ofpatterns can be random, pre-defined, based on performance of thetrainee, or selected by the operator.

Additionally or alternatively, the patterns associated with theillustrative system and method 20 b can in the targets 30 and 36 makingrandom path changes, that include immediate or gradual changes ofdirection at angles such as 36, 45, 90, 126, and 180 degrees, and/or thetargets 30 and 35 stopping movement and subsequently restartingmovement.

Additionally or alternatively, the illustrative system and method 20 bcan include images flashed on the displays 26 and 28 to conditionrecognition/situation awareness. For example, the method may include thetrainee 22 providing a different responses using recognition sensor 120,for example, the switches on a computer mouse. For example, if adisplayed image includes a person holding an object of threat, forexample a firearm, the trainee 22 is instructed to press the left mousebutton immediately upon recognition, or the right mouse button if thereis no threat. The trainee may also be asked questions regarding physicalfeatures of the image/person to help condition situational awareness.

RSMR: Rapid Subject Matter Recognition

An embodiment of the illustrative system 100 and the illustrative method400 can be used to implementing RSMR, which is used primarily to elevatetarget and non-target stimuli recognition performance. Referring to FIG.2, for example, RSMR conditioning can be performed by using anincreasing period 44 lasting about 45 seconds, a plateau period 48lasting about 45 seconds, and a final period 54 lasting about 30seconds. The embodiment of system 100 for completing RSMR conditioningcan be, for example, the same embodiment as described for K-SETconditioning above, including the arrangement of plasma displays 26 and28 shown in FIG. 1.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the illustrative system 200, can beused for RSMR conditioning in which the software 108 displays humanimages, for example, a single actor filmed and or photographed innumerous images of varied positions, but wearing the same clothes, withsome images presenting various levels of threat, for example holding afirearm, and other images not presenting a threat.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the speed of movement of the stimuli in theRSMR is the time interval for which the images are displayed. Forexample, the display interval can begin at 1.5 seconds and the intervalincrementally decrease (speed at which new images are displayedincreases) during the increasing phase 44, for example to a 0.25 secondsinterval during the plateau phase 50, and then to 0.50 seconds intervalduring the final phase 54. As with K-SET, the trainee 22 can provide aninput to the recognition sensor 122 (FIG. 3), for example a particularbutton on a computer mouse button, depending on whether an imagepresents a threat or not. The elevating speed methodology is used tocondition the brain to function at elevated speeds. Additionally, aswith K-SET, the target images can be stationary or moving, andsubsequent images can be angular displaced from prior images.

As shown in FIG. 8, by using progressively increasing speeds during theincreasing phase 44, for example, interval times of 1.5, 1.0, 0.75,0.50, and 0.25 seconds, after reaching 0.25 seconds, the trainee'sperformance accuracy below a preset threshold 46, for example, only 10%.An additional 60 images are flashed for 0.25 seconds each during theplateau phase 50. The final phase may be, for example, at 0.50 secondsand trainee 22 is expected to experience an improved accuracy of two orthree times that experienced at the same speed during the increasingphase 44. For example, in the hypothetical results shown in FIG. 8, thetrainee's accuracy at 0.50 seconds interval increases from 30% to 70%.Additional measurements made by the system 100 may include parameterssuch as reaction time, saccadic accuracy, saccade-evoked blinks, and eyevelocity.

TORA: Tactical Ocular Reaction Area

An embodiment of the illustrative system 100 and the illustrative method400 can be used to implementing Tactical Ocular Reaction Area (“TORA”)condition, which is used to elevate all aspects of engagement, forexample, engagement of targets with firearms. TORA can utilize asequence of conditioning drills scenarios, for example, the 22illustrative drills discussed below.

The illustrative scenarios were developed to locate and otherwisepresent the targets in a way that conditions heighten vision, physicalreaction, and economy of motion against single and multiple targetengagements. In the TORA phase trainees engage hundreds of targets,often from uncomfortable and challenging angles. Trainings escalate indifficulty with no ceilings. As trainees excel in one sequence, speedswill increase and target size will decrease, arm weights, hand weights,wobble boards, treadmills, and stimuli are added to create an evenfaster more focused trainee 22.

An illustrative embodiment of the system 100 for TORA conditioning isthe TORA system 300 shown in FIG. 5. In system 300, the displays 112 and114 typical of system 100 include one or more projectors (not shown) andprojection screens 302-308. For example, PT-5600 UL projectors with ETDLE 50 short throw lenses available from Panasonic, Secaucus, N.J. canbe used to project environmental images 320 and targets 322 against asurface, for example, prepared, flat, interlocking screens or wallsmeasuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. Typically, a projector wouldbe associated with each of the screens 302-308. However, non-flatsurfaces, varied dimensions, rear projection, and other techniquesand/or additional and/or alternative display features known in the artmay be utilized.

An interior area 326 within which the trainee 22 may move and employ thefirearm 124 is generally defined by the perimeter of the screens302-308. For example, the trainee 22 is circumscribed by screens 302-308by at least about 220 degrees; however, the system 300 may provide alower angular view or may circumscribe the trainee by a full 360degrees. Additionally, display of environmental scenes 320 and targets322 may extend above normal ceiling heights and below the normal floorplan, for example, extended by an additional 10 foot in the verticalabove or below one or more of the screens 302-308 by associatingadditional screens (not shown) with the system 300. The area 326 mayalso include environmental objects, for example obstacles 328 and one ormore treadmills 134 (FIG. 3).

Firearm 124 can be a standard firearm, for example semi-automatichandgun or rifle, reversibly modified to remove live firing and add atransmitter 126, for example a laser emitter, and optionally a gassystem 128 for simulating mechanical action, recoil, and acousticsassociated with live fire. For example, transmitters 126 and gas systems128 available for reversibly modify firearms 124 from Dvorak Instrumentsof Tulsa, Okla.

The firearm sensor 122 for detecting and locating the laser shot firedby firearms 124 on screens 302-308 may be one or more area scan camerasdirected at the screens 302-308, for example, model number A602available from Basler Vision Technologies of Exton, Pa., used with avisible light filter lens to remove environmental images and isolate thelaser light projected by firearm transmitter 126. Processing andanalysis of the targets 322 and measurement and performance relating toshots against them using the firearm 124 may be facilitated by thesoftware 108 identifying and utilizing subdivisions within each screen302-306. For example, software 108 can divide each screen 302-308 intofour equal quadrants (not shown) to facility mapping, measuring, andanalyzing target sequences and performance. For example, the relativedisplacement of sequential or simultaneous targets from one to anotheradjacent or non-adjacent quadrant may be used to determine a measure ofdifficulty associated with successfully engaging both targets.

Targets displayed with the environmental scene images may be digitallyadded and projected by the above described projectors (not shown) ofdisplays 112 and 114, or may be separately displayed on screens 302-308,for example, using one or more separate motorized projectors (notshown). Advantageously, comparison of location and expanse of targets322 on screens 302-308 and the projection location on screens 302-308 ofthe laser fired by firearm 124 (as captured by sensor 122) is used todetermine the time to react and engage and the accuracy of shot,including a hit or miss.

In the illustrative embodiment 300 of system 100, computer 102 mayinclude multiple networked computers (not shown) to manage thecomponents and processing of the system. Additionally, or alternatively,a WAN (not shown) such as the internet may be used to provide remoteprocessing power or service of the data 106 and software 108. The data106 includes an environment database 150 for projecting images 320, forexample stills, video, or graphically rendered images of backgroundscenes. The data 106 also includes a stimuli or target database 152 forprojecting targets 320, for example stills, video, or graphicallyrendered images of threat and non-threat people, vehicles, and the like.The software 108 executed by the processor 104 includes control software160 for displaying scenes 320 and targets 322 and for providing thetraining scenario, such as method 400 implementing the below describedscenario drills. The software 108 also includes measurement software 162to facility capture and processing of data, for example, from sensors116, 120, and 122. The software 108 also includes analysis software 164,for example, for analyzing captured scenario and performance data andproducing reporting 132, for example, the illustrative TORA PerformanceReport shown in FIG. 9. Additional reporting may include, for example, alisting of trainee ID, scenario ID, firearm ID, timestamps, targetspresented, targets hit, “rounds” expended, targets not engaged, elapsedtime, and other scenario and performance data and analysis, includingfor example aggregate, average, and improvement in performance data. Thesoftware 108 may include adapted commercially available software, forexample MATLAB for various functions of measure software 162 andMicrosoft Excel for various functions of analysis software 164.

TORA Illustrative Training Modes

Two training modes may be used to present targets and determinesequencing of targets 322, fixed and open intervals.

For the fixed intervals target mode, a sequence of targets 322 appearfor a fixed time interval in predetermined locations on screens 302-308.The targets 322 remain static and then are removed from view afterexpiration of the fixed interval of time. For example, each of 20targets appear one at a time in sequence for 1.0 seconds each. Eachtarget remains visible until successfully engaged (fired upon) or untilthe expiration of the fixed interval of 1.0 seconds.

For the open interval target mode, targets 322 appear in predeterminedlocations on screens 302-308 and remain displayed until successfullyfired upon. After being successfully hit, the subsequent target 322appears and remains visible until successfully fired upon.

Illustrative TORA Training Scenarios/Patterns

Various fixed conditioning sequences or scenarios that provide a patternof targets 322 and require the trainee 22 to perform various skillsconditioning tasks are used, including the incorporation of increasingthe speed of target displays (shorter intervals) to an impossible levelas the scenario or sets of scenarios used proceed, then reducing thespeed to an achievable level, for example, as described above for themethods associated with the K-SET and RSMR training. For example, inTORA, the method 400 can include a set of 20 targets 322 are displayedfor a display interval of 1.5 seconds around the full angular range ofscreens 302-308, whether vertically displaced, or along a set height (orhorizontal plane). Next, a set of 20 targets appears at 1.0 secondintervals, then 0.75 seconds, then 0.50 seconds, then 0.25 seconds. Atthe 0.25 seconds target interval, the targets 322 appear to mosttrainees 22 as too rapid to engage, and appear way to fast to shoot at.By exposing the trainee 22 to these elevated speeds, when the speed isslowed, the trainee 22 is able to accurately engage targets 322 athigher speeds than before being conditioned at the elevated speeds.Various other conditioning drills can be used as part of a trainingsession, for example, before and after elevated speed scenario drills.

Scenario 1, Draw, 20-Front: The drawing of firearm 322 from a holster toa ready position, or from a rest to a ready position for non-holsteredfirearms 322 is conditioned in the draw scenarios. For example, for draw20-front, the trainee 22 faces forward, for example, toward screens 304and 306, a target 322 is displayed on screens 304 and 306, the trainee22 readies firearm 124, for example drawing it from a holster, sights,and fires upon the target 322. The process repeats to engage a total of20 targets, for example, displayed on screens 304 and 306.

Scenario 2, Draw, 20-Left: The trainee 22 faces forward, for example,toward screens 304 and 306, a target 322 is displayed on left-handscreen 302, the trainee 22 readies firearm 124, sights, and fires uponthe target 322. The process repeats to engage a total of 20 targets, forexample, displayed on screen 302.

Scenario 3, Draw, 20-Right: The trainee 22 faces forward, for example,toward screens 304 and 306, a target 322 is displayed on right-handscreen 308, the trainee 22 readies firearm 124, sights, and fires uponthe target 322. The process repeats to engage a total of 20 targets, forexample, displayed on screen 308.

Scenario 4, Draw, 20-Clap: A target 322 is displayed in a random orpreset location on the screens 302-308, the trainee 22 readies firearm124, for example, drawing it from its holster or otherwise positioningit from a rest to a ready position, sights, fires upon the target 322,returns the firearm 124 to its holster or holster firearm, and claps.This process repeats to engage a total of 20 targets, for example,displayed randomly, for example, on screens 302-308. For example, apredetermined or random but “smooth” distribution pattern that limitsthe maximum displacement between sequential targets 322 is used.

Scenario 5, Draw, 20-Step: A target 322 is displayed in a random orpresent location on the screens 302-308, the trainee 22 readies firearm124, sights, fires upon the target 322, returns the firearm 124 to itsrest position, and steps around or over an obstacle 328. This processrepeats to engage a total of 20 targets 322 displayed randomly, forexample, on screens 302-308.

Scenario 6, 180 Degree Drill: Scenario 6 and the next three scenariosare designed to enhance the trainee's economy of motion, e.g., straightline movement of firearm 124 from one target 322 to the next. A target322 is displayed on the left screen 302, the trainee fires upon thetarget 322, and then a subsequent target 322 is displayed about 180degrees relative to the trainee 22 from the first target 322, forexample, on the right screen 308. This process repeats to engage a totalof 20 targets, for example with the first of each target set alternatingbetween being displayed on the left screen 302 or the right screen 308.

Scenario 7, 90 Degree Drill: Target 322 are displayed and engaged atabout 90 degree increments relative to the trainee 22. For example, atarget 322 is displayed on the left screen 302, the trainee fires uponthe target 322, a subsequent target 322 is displayed 90 degrees from thefirst, for example, on the front screens 304-306. After the traineefires upon the target 322 located on the front screens 304-306, asubsequent target 322 is displayed 90 degrees from that target, forexample, on the right screen 308. This process repeats to engage a totalof 12 targets, for example, with the first of each target setalternating between being displayed on the left screen 302 or the rightscreen 308.

Scenario 8, 45 Degree Drill: Targets 322 are displayed and engaged atabout 45 degree increments relative to the trainee 22. For example, atarget 322 id displayed on the left screen 302, the trainee fires uponthe target 322, and a subsequent target 322 is displayed on the frontscreen 304. After the trainee fires upon the target 322 on screen 304, asubsequent target 322 is displayed on the front screen 306. After thetarget 322 on screen 306 is engaged, a target 322 is displayed andengaged on screen 308. This process repeats to engage a total of 16targets, for example, with the first of each target set alternatingbetween being displayed on the left screen 302 or the right screen 308.

Scenario 9, 36 Degree Drill: Targets 322 are displayed and engaged atabout 36 degree increments relative to the trainee 22. For example, atarget 322 is displayed on the left screen 302, the trainee fires uponthe target 322, and a subsequent target 322 is displayed about 36degrees relative to the trainee 22 and the first target, for example, onthe left side of the front screen 304. After the trainee fires upon thetarget 322 on screen 304, a subsequent target 322 is displayed anaddition about 36 degrees, for example, at about the intersection of thefront screens 304 and 306. After that target is engaged, a target 322 isdisplayed at an increment of about another 36 degrees, for example, onthe right side of the front screen 306. After that target 322 isengaged, a subsequent target 322 is displayed at an increment of aboutanother 36 degrees, for example, on the right screen 308. This processrepeats to engage a total of 15 targets, for example, with the first ofeach target set alternating between being displayed on the left screen302 and the right screen 308.

Scenario 10, Indexed Linear: The indexed drills condition the trainee 22to keep the properly indexed in the transition between targets 322, tocheck the barrel locked in position with the eyes, to use economy ofmotion, and consistent sight alignment. For example, as shown in FIG.10, a first target 322 is displayed and engaged at the center of frontscreens 304 and 306. Each subsequent target 322 is displayed and engagedand incrementally increasing angles left and right of the location ofthe first target 322 until targets 322 are displayed and engaged bothabout 90 degrees left and about 90 degrees right of the first target.This process repeats until 57 targets, for example, are displayed andengaged.

Scenario 11, Indexed Up and Down is another linear target drill fortraining proper level indexed transition between targets 322. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 11, a first target 322 is displayed andengaged at the center of front screens 304 and 306. Each subsequenttarget 322 is displayed and engaged and incrementally increasing anglesleft and right of the location of the first target 322 and displacedvertically alternatingly up and down until targets 322 are displayed andengaged both about 90 degrees left and about 90 degrees right of thefirst target. This process repeats until 57 targets, for example, aredisplayed and engaged.

Scenarios 12 and 13, Reverse Reflex Drills: designed to strengthen thebackward reflex abilities of the trainee 22. Referring to FIG. 12,trainees engage targets 322 that index a fixed amount, for example 18feet left (or right), and then the subsequent target 322 is displayedand engaged half that fixed amount in the opposite direction, forexample 9 feet right (or left). The scenario strengthens the trainee'sability to react to a threat previously passed by. This process repeatsfor 37 targets, for example.

Scenario 14, Random 20, Open Mode: Referring to FIG. 13, the trainee 22engages targets 22 displayed in the open mode, i.e a target 322 remainsuntil successfully engaged, then a subsequent target 322 is displayed.For example, the target pattern shown in FIG. 13 can be used until atotal of 20 targets, for example, are engaged.

Scenario 15, Random 20, Fixed Mode: Referring to FIG. 14, the trainee 22engages targets 22 displayed in the fixed mode, i.e. a target 322remains for a fixed interval, for example about 1.5 seconds, whethersuccessfully engaged or not, then a subsequent target 322 is displayed.For example, the target pattern shown in FIG. 13 can be used until atotal of 20 targets, for example, are sequentially displayed

Scenario 16, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode at 1.0 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308,for example, using pattern #1 shown in FIG. 15; however, other repeatingpatterns can be substituted. The targets 322 appear one at a time forthe fixed time interval or until successfully engaged. The locations ofthe targets 322 have been intentionally selected in order to cover thefull range of motion up, down, up-left, down-right, straight ahead, andso on. The trainees 22 run through variations of this sequence in thenext 10 scenarios. In doing so, the trainee 22 will notice a developmentof muscle memory and an intuitive ability to turn, sight, and fire. Therepetition of this sequence is essential for the trainee 22 developingself confidence and fine tuning target engagement skills.

Scenario 17, Pattern #1, No Shot, Fixed Mode at 0.75 seconds: Thetrainee 22 only sights and tracks the targets 322, there is noengagement with the firearm 124. The no shot scenarios condition thetrainee's ability to quickly sight the targets 322 around the area 326.By eliminating the need to aim and fire the firearm 124, the trainee 22will gain confidence in his or her ability to track objects at shorttime intervals, for example 0.50 second.

Scenario 18, Pattern #1, No Shot, Fixed Mode at 0.50 seconds: Thetrainee 22 only sights and tracks the targets 322, there is noengagement with the firearm 124.

Scenario 19, Pattern #1, No Shot, Fixed Mode at 0.25 seconds: Thetrainee 22 only sights and tracks the targets 322, there is noengagement with the firearm 124.

Scenario 20, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode, at 1.5 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308.The targets 322 appear one at a time for earlier of the fixed timeinterval or until successfully engaged. After trying to visually sightand track targets at 0.25 seconds intervals, the trainee 24 should beable to comfortably and successfully engage targets displayed at aninterval of 1.5 seconds.

Scenario 21, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode at 1.0 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308.The targets 322 appear one at a time for earlier of the fixed timeinterval or until successfully engaged.

Scenario 22, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode at 0.75 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308.The targets 322 appear one at a time for earlier of the fixed timeinterval or until successfully engaged.

Scenario 23, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode at 0.50 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308.The targets 322 appear one at a time for earlier of the fixed timeinterval or until successfully engaged.

Scenario 24, Pattern #1, Fixed Mode at 1.5 second intervals: Twentytargets 322 are sequentially displayed throughout the screens 302-308.The targets 322 appear one at a time for earlier of the fixed timeinterval or until successfully engaged.

Scenario 25, 3-5-7 Pattern: Each of multiple sets will sequentiallydisplay a target 322 at center, for example on the screens 304 and 306,then to one side, for example on the screen 308. Each target 322 to aside in a set may be progressively further displaced from the target 322at the center displayed between each shot to the side. The scenario canfollow a pattern of how many targets 322 are displayed on each sidebefore progressing to the next set, which for example can be the samenumber of targets 322 on the opposite side. For example, the pattern,which includes each side target 322 preceded with a target 322 at thecenter, can bee three targets 322 to the right, for example on screen308, three targets to the left, for example on screen 302, five targetsto the right, five targets to the left, seven targets to the right, andseven targets to the left. The targets 322 can be vertically locatedalong the same horizontal line.

Scenario 26, 3-5-7 Pattern Up and Down: can use the same pattern asscenario 25 except that each side and/or center target 322 can vary inits vertical placement in a set or random fashion.

The above listed scenarios are illustrative only and variations oralternative conditioning patterns can be utilized with the systems andmethods 20, 100, 200, 300, and 400.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in theforegoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined in the following claims are desired to beprotected.

1. A system for conditioning a trainee's skills in using a firearm,comprising: a display for the presentation of a sequence of stimuli witha range of difficulty of engagement, including targets for the traineeto engage with the firearm, including sighting, tracking, recognizing,and reacting to stimuli, including using the firearm to shoot stimulirecognized as targets; a data processor for generating the sequence ofstimuli on the display, providing an operator interface, and performancereporting; and a firearm sensor for determining the aimpoint point thefirearm on the display; and wherein the sequence of stimuli including atleast three periods, including an increasing period, a plateau period,and a final period; the increasing period presenting a first pluralityof stimuli having an initial difficulty of engagement and aprogressively increasing difficulty of engagement; the plateau periodpresenting a second plurality of stimuli having a fixed level ofdifficulty of engagement that the trainee cannot accurately engage; andthe final period presenting a third plurality of stimuli having a levelof difficulty of engagement that is lower than the fixed level ofdifficulty of engagement of the plateau period and that is higher thanthe initial difficulty of engagement of the increasing period.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a grid pattern is provided on the display. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the presentation of sequence of stimulion the display range up to about 90 degrees left and right of center andinclude changes in elevation of the stimuli on the display.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the firearm sensor is a laser emitter mountedon the firearm and a laser detector that detects the laser spot on thedisplay.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gas dischargedevice that replaces a bolt and magazine of the firearm and providesaction of the firearm mechanism and simulated acoustics and recoil offiring.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the performance reportingincludes number of targets hit, time to hit, accuracy of shots, andimprovement in performance over a baseline.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the fixed level of difficulty of engagement that the traineecannot accurately engage is determined by an operator.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the range of difficulty of engagement is provided bychanging the period of time that each stimulus is displayed.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the range of difficulty of engagement isprovided by changing the period of time between the display of onestimulus the display of a subsequent stimulus.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the range of difficulty of engagement is provided by changingthe speed of movement of each stimulus.